About Spanish gastronomy

Spanish gastronomy has experienced, in the last decade, a huge increase in popularity at international levels. Today, spanish chefs and restaurants are among the most recognised and respected in the world and the influence of Spanish cuisine is present in all the corners of the globe.

One of the characteristics of the spanish gastronomy is its variety of dishes, influenced by the different cultures that have populated the Iberian peninsula, as well as the mixture between dishes with rural and seaside origin.

Spanish gastronomy in Budapest

Spanish gastronomy in Budapest

The base of the cuisine is focused on high quality products and raw materials, and a special care in the preparation, where there is an emphasis on obtaining the maximum from the products. Products like olive oil, fish and seafood, vegetables like peppers, garlic and asparagus, and the Iberian pork are part of the traditional dishes and the base of this rich and varied gastronomy.

Nowadays, Mediterranean gastronomy is considered the most healthy and balanced diet. Olive oil stands out among the main ingredients and many considered it as “liquid gold”. Spain is among the top 3 olive oil producers in the world and they are awarded important prices every year and are considered as a reference regarding quality.

Restaurant La Plaza in Budapest

Restaurant La Plaza in Budapest

With well known chefs like Ferran Adria, the Roca brothers, Jose Mari Arzak, Martin Berasategui, Andoni Aduritz and others, spanish cuisine has earned its place in the international gastronomic scene and at the same time, they are main exponents of products made in Spain.

In the city of Budapest, the spanish restaurant of La Plaza was recently inaugurated the, a part of the Iberostar Grand Hotel Budapest. Leading the restaurant is the spanish chef Sergio Montaño, with a long career in restaurants around the world. His extensive career and passion for spanish cuisine make this restaurant one of the best restaurants in Budapest.

Budapest, a city for the future

The city of Budapest is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and each year attracts roughly 4.5 million visitors, making it the 25th most visited city in the world. It lacks no arguments, as there are a number of locations included in UNESCO’s World Heritage, which include the Buda Castle, the Heroes ‘ Square and the Andrassy Avenue. It is also worth mentioning the 80 geothermal springs in the city, making it the largest hot springs system in the world.

Buda castle

Buda castle

Since the end of the Soviet era, and after some years of uncertainty, the city of Budapest experiences a social and economic change that make it one of the top cities in the world due to its quality of life and economic development. The presence of some of the most important hotel chains in the world and the increase of quality services, which had always been present in the Hungarian culture, reflects the country’s current economic situation, regardless of existing global crisis.

The Spanish tourism industry has taken good note of this development, and some of the most important tourism companies in the country have already or intend to open as soon as possible hotels and other accommodations. Among these, the hotel chain Iberostar Hotels & Resorts and its beautiful 5 star hotel, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Budapest.

Restaurant La Plaza in Budapest

Restaurant La Plaza in Budapest

Thanks to Iberostar hotels, there is a presence of spanish restaurants in Budapest. The prestigious Chef Sergio Montaño leads the kitchen of the restaurant La Plaza, a faithful representative of Spanish cuisine in the city .

There are numerous international restaurants in Budapest, and the number of restaurants of exotic cuisines from around the world, continues to increase due to the great success among the local public and the interest of tourists and businessmen visiting the city. There is no doubt that Budapest can become a European reference for the future, combining the quality of life and economic development it experiences.

GASTRONOMIC CYCLE “WOMEN WITH STAR”

The Majorcan hotel chain Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is organising, as part of their commitment to offer their guests unique experiences, a gastronomic cycle with the best known female chefs in Spain called “Women with a Star”. The venue chosen for this gastronomic event is the island of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in one of  the most spectacular hotels of the chain, the Iberostar Grand Mencey Hotel.

Women with a Star

“Women with a Star”

This initiative is part of the many proposals already offered by the hotel and its Cookery Classroom, managed by the Canarian Chef Juan Carlos Clemente. Without a doubt, the Grand Mencey is a reference for gastronomic hotels in Tenerife. At the same time, the hotel also has 3 other restaurants and 3 bars, considered as some of the best restaurants in Tenerife.

This gastronomic cycle was inaugurated the 7th of September, featuring the Galician chef Beatriz Sotelo, from the restaurant A Estacion, with a Michelin Star. The Master Class aimed to  bring the world of haute cuisine to Tenerife, as well as some of the most emblematic dishes of this restaurant located in the old railway station of Cambre, Galicia.

Chef Macarena de Castro

Chef Macarena de Castro

The mont of October is reserved for the Majorcan chef Macarena de Castro, from the restaurant Jardin in Alcudia, Majorca. The Master Class of this Michelin Star chef will be held under the title “Pure Mediterranean Sea”. On Saturday 26th of October, starting at 11.30, the attendees will enjoy the cooking class of this renowned chef and will then be able to enjoy a degustation menu, including a wine pairing.

The cycle of “Women with a Star” is open to the public and can reservations can be made through the website of the restaurant La Cocina del Mencey. Places are limited, and due to the great success of the previous event, we recommend you book in advance. This gastronomic cycle aims to bring the world of fine dinning restaurants to Tenerife.

Latest news from the Mencey’s Cookery Classroom

This September arrives full off news and updates from the Iberostar Grand Mencey Hotel & Resort and specially, from the Mencey Cookery Classroom. Although for many September is a complicated month, which includes the return to work, daily routine, children going back to school… it may not be the best idea to mention some of the activities and services offered by this hotel during the next month.

For those starting their holiday in September, and more specifically for those that have chosen the Canary island of Tenerife as a destination, our recommendation is that you pay close attention to new services offered by the Iberostar Grand Mencey, especially regarding the gastronomy of this gourmet restaurant in Tenerife.

Aula de cocina del Mencey

Los Menceyes restaurant, known as one of the best restaurants in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, after a magnificent reception, will continue to offer every first Sunday of the month, a brunch served on the terrace of the restaurant. Guests will enjoy  the combination of the classic buffet with live cooking, including the famous Benedict eggs and an authentic Bloody Mary.

Without a doubt, the culinary novelty is the cycle of “Women with a Star” which will bring to the island some of the most respected and well known Michelin star chefs in Spain. Each month, starting on Saturday 7th of September, all those who wish may attend an exclusive Master Class and then enjoy the tasting menus offered by these chefs in their respective restaurants.

Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey

We would like to emphasise the presence of the Mallorcan chef Macarena de Castro, head of the Michelin starred restaurant Jardin, and the only woman on the island of Mallorca that has that distinction. The Master Class will be held on the 26th of October in the Cookery Classroom of the Mencey. The cooking class starts at 11.30 and finishes at 13.00, where guests  can later enjoy the degustation menu ” Pure Mediterranean Sea.”

This cooking cycle of “Women with Star ” will end on the 7th of December by the hand of the Chef Fina Puigdevall head of the Restaurant Les Cols in Olot , which has two Michelin stars. This cycle of fine dining in Tenerife can become a reference, not only to the Canary cuisine , but for all Spain.

Do not hesitate and book your holiday in this gastronomic hotel in Tenerife.

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